McQueen closed his freshman year at Providence by proving he could handle meaningful center minutes against older competition, finishing with 11 goals and 16 assists for 27 points in 36 games. He was named Hockey East Rookie of the Year, made the conference All-Rookie Team, led all Hockey East freshmen with 74 shots in league play, and finished second on Providence in overall scoring. The production matters, but the bigger development point is that he looked more sustainable this year than he did in his injury-shortened draft season. He won draws at a strong clip, handled heavier usage, and showed that his offense can still come without needing junior-level time and space. Anaheim’s decision to sign him to an AHL amateur tryout with San Diego right after Providence’s season ended is the next logical step. It is not the same as saying he is NHL-ready tomorrow, but it does show the Ducks want him in a pro environment now, getting extra games and adjusting to pace, structure, and physical pressure. The upside remains top-six because the size-skill-shot package is still rare, but this year helped shift the conversation from boom-or-bust tools to a more stable projection built around health, touch, and pro translation.

McQueen’s season so far has been excellent. He has remained healthy and has become Providence’s No. 1 center. His transition to college hockey took a few games, which was to be expected, but he has been a very productive player in all phases of the game once he got going. He is still not quite at the level of refinement needed to expect a shot in the NHL next season, and it looks very likely he will stay in the NCAA for at least one more year.

The biggest swing for upside in the draft, McQueen could be the biggest boom of the whole draft. A towering 6-5 center, McQueen has long been regarded as a top-tier talent, combining a great shot, elite hands at his size, vision, physical edge, and good defensive instincts. A great start to the season was ended by a lower-back injury that sidelined him for months. A brief return in March came, but the injury was re-aggravated, and McQueen missed the rest of the season.

Although McQueen was reportedly focused on making the Anaheim Ducks out of training camp, he has committed to Providence College of the NCAA. Considering the back injury that significantly reduced his playing time during his draft year, strengthening in the NCAA would be a very wise decision for McQueen. He projects as a top-six center with the Ducks organization, as long as he stays healthy. Look for him to be above a point per game player in the NCAA in 2025-26, whether he stays healthy for the entire season or only gets limited playing time.

Selected tenth overall, Roger McQueen is now a member of the Anaheim Ducks.

The towering Roger McQueen is one of the top draft-eligible players in the WHL this season. His combination of puck handling, shooting and reach (along with solid skating for his size) could potentially make him an impact top six forward. However, due to his inconsistent production, poor physical game, and so-so off-puck play, there’s considerable risk attached to Roger McQueen. Injured early in the season, McQueen has also only played eight games to-date, on track to return in February. The size and offensive package are tantalizing, but McQueen’s late ’06 birthday, inconsistency, and health all raise question marks.

McQueen’s outlook seems more like a second-line role with time on the second power-play unit, which should still be a productive fantasy role. His outlook seems more like a second-line role with time on the second power-play unit, which should still be a productive fantasy role. He can play physically, though he isn’t actively hunting hits. We can hope this aspect develops further, as it would add useful peripherals and increase his value in banger leagues. McQueen is a great stash, but he is likely still one or two seasons away, depending on how quickly his game develops and how patient the Ducks are with him.

McQueen is a dynamic offensive threat. He has pace and uses his size and reach to manipulate defenders. He’s creative both with his playmaking and shooting, catching defenders and goalies off guard. His playmaking is great, capable of accurate passes at speed and through traffic. He forechecks with edge, absorbs contact, wins puck battles, and supports his team down low. Inconsistency and decision-making remain areas for growth. Missing so much time with injury, and the potential to miss more, will set his development pace back; he’s more of a long-term project than an average top-10 pick, but if McQueen reaches his potential, he will be one of the most impactful players of the draft.

Final Rankings – Though McQueen’s ranking remains contentious, his projection is far less divisive than it was at the beginning of the year. At this point, he’s an upside swing with a weighty list of pros and cons.

He’s among the draft’s best, most accurate shooters and has high-end handling skill around the net and in tight to his body. Plus, he’s 6-5 and plays with physical willingness. Nevertheless, between his off-puck game, his injury, and his penchant for drubbing bad teams, the takeaway is clear:

It’s not just the injury with McQueen: even if fully healthy, he’s a player that comes with significant risk but tantalizing upside.—